18
Apr
2008
i just made it up another life step with my 18 year old son. this past 2 years have been a huge inner life change for both of us. I have watched him turn from:
a silly 16 year old, part goofy kid, part responsible man
a more serious 17 year old, having faced his gas bill, working for jewel foods, applying for college.
into an 18 year old. he grew as he faced the joys of college acceptance and reality of rejection. he grew as he sifted through all of the advice thrown his way on what he needs to do to make it in this world.
he thought about what “making it” means
and what defines happiness
and seeing that he is great fish yet a little one in a big pond
He is ready to leave home in the summer.
this is what we raise them to do, to be ready to go out on their own.
as i saw the moment come where i realized that he is beyond ready
for he will do better outside of my home
i guess i did not expect this moment but i now see
that real readiness is when his growth is possibly inhibited by my constant presence
he is ready to go -to stand -to fall and to grow- beyond my arms
in order to become fully him
oh, never to say that im going to withhold any needed advise
and that he wont get hurt
or maybe even grow weary of the responsibility
and want to come home and rest
but that is not the purpose of parenting
or the purpose of being
they are steps on the path to growth, however.
its the same in work and all life
it’s leaders must leave room for others
let others lead
and sometimes move on over
the real trick is to keep focus on the gain in the process, not the loss.
and always remain close for advise
always let young leaders go out and fall down
and move from mirroring their mentor to becoming one
Apr
2008
